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December 1 2001
Umur Sulgi passed away in her sleep last night. The empty coffers of Sulgi rattle in contemplation of the expensive funerary services. The young Umur-To-Be will be served by a regent until he comes of age.
Tarquin and Ashakku troops skirmished in the Streets of Red Clay. The God-King has summoned the Umurs to His Court to discuss this situation.
The God-King has taken the young Umur-To-Be into the Imperial palace for "his own safety." He cites the conflict between Umurs as the source of need.
A famous playwright, Abijah beth Imanana, has come under heavy criticism in society for his comedic play A Promise of Marriage. It concerns two country peasants in Shiloh whose marriage plans are upset when a local Lord (strongly suggested to be Umur Sethlans) becomes infatuated with the bride.
A famous spy Nassur Traven is reported to have died while on a mission to the Eastern territories. It is reported that during his six years of wanderings there he had become involved in power politics amongst the coarse feudal lords by passing himself off as a common horse trader. he is mourned as a great loss to the Dominion.
June 30 2001
The young Baal Mosenraath now has made permanent residence in Northgate.
The Fleets of the West are now more vast in number than the leaves of the cedar tree, ships now land troops on the eastern frontier. The endless footsoldiers of Lugalzagessi disembark in the Orcish badlands.
Umur Sulgi's protests continue.
Society is unanimous in its expectation of a time of great prosperity. Itomas becomes a very popular God-King.
Assassins of the Black Hand struck down Saria Bar Tabu, Nassur Barrashum. Many wonder at the message.
On the far eastern front the tactics of disciplined Tarquin and wily old Ninazu have wrought success. The assembled horde of Orcish tribes faced badly outnumbered western forces across a the barren badlands. Tarquin caused his well-trained Qurubs to expose their right flank and enticed a charge from the headstrong orcs. The foolish orcs ran over rocks heavily warded by the Twelfth Legion of the Cryptic Rune. Under Nianazu's command, it seems the trigger wards were placed half a league past the wards themselves. Nothing but the vanguard reached Tarquins elite qurub who wheeled to face the charge. Tarquin was later heard to chuckle "Perhaps they lack for priests.Our foes need better diviners. " Blind Ninazu was heard to shoot back, "Or perhaps more trick juice" Umur Tarquin then commanded his personal guard to acquire crocodile skin shields. When Ninazu inquired, Tarquin said "My crocodile hunter shields me now".
October 12 2000
A relocation award had been funded for families of citizens who wish to relocate to the new settlements on the Isle of Lopan. The God-King has been most generous in even supplying ships for travel. Eresh adds to the award with two sacks of rice.
The Umurs refuse to eat at the same table as the "Umur of the Iron Hills". Gold-saddle is quoted, "This is nothing unexpected. In a few hundred years, however, I will sit to dine with their great great grandchildren."
Eresh troops burn vast areas of jungle to flush out rebel elements in Yin-Sloth. Slaves are taken to finance the military venture.
The Rangers of the East are surly and unruly elements that lack respect for their superiors. Clearly their is need for discipline. A few Deaths by Exposure should sort them out. Since they revere the wild so much let them have it in full.
There is great fortune to be made by any noble with funds to invest in trade. A great Boom is occuring due to the building of the Great Canal.
Eresh matches Shurrupak in the initial investment in the canal. The Umurial council is amazed at this. None of them expected him to have such a fortune. The Balance of Power shifts to this house as Sulgi and Zabaalum move to curry his favor.
May 30 2000
Umurs led by Sulgi have formally petitioned the God-King against the new Umur IronHills. The God-King is "displeased with their jealous response".
Umur Tarquin was poisoned:
- by a jealous suitor.
- the Timoran Arch Duke of Aracho
- General Aziz, who can control the armies for bookish and incompetent Hasmar
- the savage and brutal Ranger lord
- Sinculum assasins
- his son Hasmar, hungry for power (strange that none know of his current location)
The Lopan population has been reduced. Land grants have been given to prominent Eresh grain merchants in lieu of gold.
With the rains the Ironbreakers mysteriously stationed in Red Hook have moved on.
Eresh has dispatched a ship of marines to Jaromir.
Popularity for the God-King due to recent successes is immense.
Ninazu is in the capital of Timoro. He treats with the Rebel King there, for the God-King's needs.
March 9 1999
Ogres have unexpectedly attacked our forces in the western borders of the Old Kingdom. Our scouts failed to take into account that their capabilities makes them dangerous further afield and a danger despite normal encampment earthworks. Umur Ninazu has departed to sue for peace. We will deal with their kind later after the orcish herds have been thinned.
Lopan's subjugation goes well. A convenient plague has slaughtered many weakened by deprivation, thus the goal of reducing 20% of the population by the end of the month looks achievable.
The Twelfth Legion of the Cryptic Rune (144 trained Diabolists) have been dispatched to the Northern Timoran Front via a mystic portal.
Umur Eresh has made a huge fortune selling grain to military units supported by the Imperium and the other Umurs. Lugalzaggesi is said to be angry about this for some reason.
Hasmar, the Tarquin's first born, has made roses bloom in the desert. He found water in Red Hook, obviously his house has forged close alliances with the new Dwarven Umur, to have been given this information.
Sulgi petitions the God-King against the new Umur of the Iron Hills. She is backed by several of the other Umurs including Sethlans and an unusual ally in Ninazu. Perhaps this is why the God-King dispatched the wily old man to the Old Kingdom front.
February 24 1999
Turtan Beth-Selit: "Lopan has fallen before the God King's might! Now we shall cleanse the rebellious populous of their sinful ways! We shall teach them to bow their heads!"
One hundred and forty four mages (trained diabolists) have been added to the war effort by the league of magi. With them come 12 times that number of well-trained slaves (reputably bred and raised for some special purpose). There is much speculation as to their purpose.
Umur Ninazu joked to Umur Tarquin: "Your son likes to poke sticks into holes on the riverbank." (Referring to the lairs of crocodiles) The reply: "He's young yet for hunting" Umur Tarquin was seen wearing short boots (made from the skin of baby crocodiles) for the next several days, until this was noted by Umur Eresh. Whereupon Tarquin laughingly complained: "Fine boots these are, but not really enough hide to cover my feet." Eresh found this disturbingly funny. Tarquin now has other boots.
Umur Sulgi is strongly protesting the patronage that the Umur of the Iron Hills has received towards the building of the Great Canal.
Society is unanimous in its expectation of a time of great prosperity. Itomas becomes a very popular God-King.
Saria Bar Tabu, Nassur Barrashum: Why do we fight--- needlessly--- the subhumans in the Old Kingdoms? It is a tired land with nothing to offer us." There is some criticism of the military exercises in the Old Kingdom and her outspoken criticism mirrors the unspoken thoughts of many.
Umur Sethlans has cancelled his soiree on Nammu's Day next. Ur Aardeem of House Tarquin jokes that he lost so much money gambling of late that he cannot afford the party. Aardeem was promptly challenged to a duel by Ur Falmar of House Sethlans, who slew him honorably.
January 10 1998
Turtan Beth-Selit on defending the highly criticized war on two fronts: "Lopan will fall within the month, before the monsoons strike the inner seas. Those weak merchants and puling aristocrats lack the will to oppose our might. Minimal numbers of garrison troops will be necessary for the pacification of the territory. Techniques learned in the Yin Sloth will be all the more valuable in the cities and towns of Lopan. Then the Dominion of Man shall hold the key ports for trade and supplies to the Eastern Territories. As for the subhuman tribes of the Old Kingdom, they are disorganized and quarrel amongst themselves.Separately, they pose no threat to our highly disciplined forces. Our Timoran allies will be simultaneously pushing from the South-east front (In Timoro the northern frontier), leaving the disorganized tribes to bicker over the most powerful threat. We will crush them between us and turn our veteran troops to more important conquests."
The Umur of the Iron Hills is hiring still more able bodied laborers. There is talk of a great project, the likes of which even the Dwarves have not attempted for millenia. Rumors that the God-King has commanded him to build a great canal are not being confirmed or denied. Many believe Shurrupak is helping with the financing as the Umur is calling in many old loans and seems to be strapped for cash.
The Ironbreakers unit has been mysteriously stationed in upper Red Hook. No one has any idea why this is occuring.
The navy is assembling press gangs in the city.
That Eastern Duke played the viola at Sethlans' latest soiree. Apparently his barbaric music was quite popular. Sethlans decided to be insulted and spent the evening sulking. The viola player who gave his instrument to the Duke donated his fingers to the fondue later that evening.
December 7 1998
Lopan has declared War!
Last week at the festival, the population of Ashur assembled to cheer the pride of the Rule of Man. The Legions marched one after another along the Promenade. The thunder of the wheels of chariots drowned the roar of the crowds. Qurub Beth-selit has stated, "The Armies of the West have never been mightier or more numerous. Great Itomas shall lead us to glory. No force can defy our might." In an unprecedented show of favor, God-King Itomas met withe the Turtans of the Right and Left publically. He then walked the length of the assembled elite troops (several miles) and allowed the commanders to touch the hem of his robe.
In the harbor, the fleets of the navy sailed in promenade. Literally thousands of ships from small caverel to great trireme, flew the regal colors of the west. The populace cheered the sailors who vied with each other for tallest stance in the riggings. Then the sun passed from sight behind a cloud and a chill touched the hearts of all onlookers. Twelve black triremes sailed into the harbor, without tacking against the wind, their canvas still filled and no sailors visble upon the decks. They too flew the standard of the west.Word from the Admirality has it that they are responsible for the burning of the Lopan harbor city A'kir.
In a great speech to the assembled Lords of the West and Heads of State, Itomas announced the impending conquest of the humanoids of the Old Kingdom. They will be enslaved or destroyed. The ancestral home of the elves and dwarves will be inherited by humanity, their rightful heirs. In the name of the Gods, He gave blessing to the people of the west, now priveledged to witness this finest moment of human history.
Umur Tarquin's orders pulled the Dwarven "Ironbreakers" unit from ready status. Surprisingly, these elite forces are being stationed as "home guard" in Ashur.
The conscripts from the "Red Hook manuevers" are being trained as reinforcements for the existing well-trained units.
Arch-Mage Shab was granted the right to kneel to the right of the God-King and advise him. Twelve cohorts of twelve highly trained combat mages were presented during the promenade. This represents but one twelfth of the might the League shall eventually bring to bear for the empire.
September 29 1998
Umur Ninazu was noted as saying, " I thought highly of your boy, Tarquin. He stood up well to Itomas's intimidation tactics. It will be a pleasure to observe his future interaction with Sethlans."
The Red Hook manuevers went splendidly! The Enkenkurial Court of Ashur pronounced a verdict of death to several thousand captives. This verdict would be remanded to seven years service in the military to those who volunteered for service. Several thousand suddenly cooperative conscripts signed up for naval training, only a few whose poor physical condition caused rejection were executed. The executions took place at dawn to the sound of thunderclaps booming in the far distance.
Have you heard? Tarquin's son tries to purchase water rights in Red Hook. A jest perhaps? Too much time on his hands say most. Sethlans laughs uproariously and suggests a new hat for Tarquin's heir more suited to his profession. (He snatches the fool's cap from his jester's head and his toadying retinue joins in the mockery) A young noble of more military mind-set, notes the proximity of these locations to the food distribution centers set up recently by the military. His fun spoiled, Sethlans smiles sardonically.
Enkenkur Iron Hills is to be made an Umur? I have heard that even Ashakku and Tarquin agreed on this issue. I wonder whether he and his heirs will survive long enough to make the title grant worthwhile? Nassur Sethlans of Rolling Hills is accepting longterm wagers on his prospects for the future.
September 8 1998
Magus Lisina has retired as Arch-Mage. Arch-Mage Shab will be formally invested next full moon.
The Templars of Hadad are to be marched through Red Hook to keep the peace. After a show of force, water will be distributed, but no food.
The countless foot soldiers of Lugalzaggessi bivouac in the farmlands east of the city.
Urnammu's well trained soldiers march in resplendently polished armor through the Promenade. There is more military might massing than ever before in any living man's memory.
The League of Magi will march 777 uniformed mages during the great procession. They go to war in service to the God-King. Each has been taught certain spells by the League in exchange for "volunteering" to fufill the League's military commitment. The "Legion of Resplendent Sorceries" is one of the most powerful weapons of the Empire. This is the first time that a full contingent has been required in over 600 years.
Tarquin's elite Qurubs train daily with javelins supplied by the Cyclops. Areas of the city near the Military grounds echo with distant thunderclaps.
They say that Lugalzaggesi is angered at Eresh since the Great Council met.
Preparations for a ceremony on the palace grounds are being made. Thousands of Dwarves are making the journey from the Iron Hills to attend.
August 3 1998
The Slayer of Mountains has departed by warship through the inland sea to the east.
The Templars of Hadad from the Northern Hills have arrived in Ashur. Jokes about "hiding the sheep" and the "smell of forest floors" abound.
The God-King slept last night. The word is that he suffered from terrible nightmares and is now in a foul mood. Today he sits in judgement at the Head of the Path of Supplication.
The League of Magi have come to some decision and there is some talk of Arch-Mage Lisina's retirement.
Surprisingly the young Baal Malzrath is yet to break upon the Ashur social scene. Some in Sethlan's court discretely mock his "shyness".
The Enkenkur of the Iron Hills has arrived in the Palace District at the head of 500 troops.
Umur Shamshi-Adad and his elite guard of 144 troops have arrived in Ashur. Tents are arising on the parade grounds.
Umur Tarquin parades through Ashur on his way to the parade grounds. 120 Elite Chariots led by Bel-Qurub Aziz were a pleasant spectacle for the populace.
Umur Ashakku is said to be present at her estates in Ashur. Obviously rode in during the night like a thief as is her way.
July 27 1998
An ambassador from the Timiro kingdoms will be in attendance during portions of the Imperial Council meeting. Rarely have ambassadors from supposedly independent nations been invited.
The Grandmaster of the Templars of Hadad has made a journey to Ashur for the festival. He brings with him 300 men at arms from the treacherous hilly regions of the north.
The Dwarves of the Iron Hills assemble a brigade of Iron Breakers for promenade in the festival.
The Council of the League of Magi has been in heated debate over some hot topics.
The God-King has not slept in 6 days and works tirelessly in his chambers.
A delegate from the Isle of the Cyclops has arrived and has taken up residence in the old quarters of the palace. The ship which carried him continued on to dock more permanently, in the Naval yards.
July 14 1998
Enkenkur Khazred proudly announced to the Assembly of Grandfathers (the Dwarven political structure in the Iron Hills) the support of the Dwarven regime in supplying the armies of the West with weapons.
The God-King has proclaimed a festival day to celebrate the launching of the new fleet which will sail in in promenade through Ashur's harbor and then set forth on a maiden voyage that the God-King will announce at that time.
Infantry and cavalry troops are assembling in the military district. Preparations for long march are being made.
The Temple of Hadad is making preparations to host the Festival, many find this curious because the Temple of Anu would usually do so.
The God-King has called a meeting of the Imperial Council for the day before the festival, this will be the first meeting in over a decade. In attendance will be the Twelve, the Arch-mage, a Legate from the Assembly of Temples, Enkenkur Iron Hills , Enkenkur Gilead, and the Turtans of the Right and Left Hand.
June 3 1998
The God-King has firmly stated that there will be no new wars of subjugation of Yin-Sloth in the near future. "The belly of the West is full, we need burn no more jungle. Instead we shall look for glory."
The young Baal Malzrath has purchased a villa in Northgate. He hopes to further his scholarly pursuits with educated company. Young women of marriagable age speculate on his entry into the Ashur social scene.
The God-King has revealed a long kept military secret. For nearly 20 years ship-building has been a priority and he thanks Tarquin for military support in the North crucial in removing needed lumber out from under the domain of the hated Wolfen. The Fleets of the West are now more vast in number than the leaves of the cedar tree.
The Umur Eresh blames his currrent financial woes on continued pirate attacks that have seized rice bound for Ashur from his southern plantations.
God-King announces the continued friendship of the Cyclops and their selfless support of the Dominion of Man.
With the impossibility of continued subjugation in Yin Sloth, Umur Eresh has sided with Zabaalum in pushing for the conquest of Lopan. It is joked, although not loudly, that Zabaalum holds his purse strings.
Enkenkur Khazred of the Iron Hills was summoned to the God-Kings presence to discuss "continued good relations with the allies of Man"
May 5 1998
The God-King has been gearing up for war with the East.
The God-King has been preparing for war with the Wolfen.
The God-King wishes to continue the subjugation of Yin-Sloth.
The Empire has more ships in the fleet than ever before in history.
The God-King has recently visited the Isle of the Cyclops in secrecy.
The "Slayer of Mountains" was given imperial permission to conduct a rite at the Imperial burial grounds (At the Necropolis) next full-moon.
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